Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Indian subsidiary of Japanese auto maker, continued its launching spree in the festive season by introducing the Fortuner TRD Sportivo on 21st of October. Notably, Toyota had launched the facelift version of Innova Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) earlier this month. Fortuner TRD Sportivo has been introduced at a price of Rs. 24.26 lakh (ex-showroom), exclusively for the festive season. According to sources, Toyota is hoping to take advantage of the ongoing festive season by launching multiple models. Experts feel that launching a limited edition model is something that is bound to attract buyers as this variant would come with some additional features. This trend has been spotted in car makers as they have tried to lure buyers by offering packages, deals or limited edition version of their successful models.
Reports have claimed that Toyota Fortuner TRD Sportivo will be available for purchase up to December 2013 and only 400 units of the same would be sold. Also, this model is going to be available with the all-wheel manual transmission version of Toyota Fortuner. A company statement was released, which explained the reason behind the launch of Toyota Fortuner TRD Sportivo. According to the firm, this model has been introduced to “further enhance the sporty quotient of the Fortuner and bring in new product excitement along with Toyota’s legendary promise of Quality, Durability & Reliability (QDR).”
Analysts have said that Toyota will be able to capitalise on the brand value of this model and register good sales. The firm has made a dedicated effort to design the vehicle and give it a sporty appearance, thereby enhancing its appeal. Toyota Fortuner has done really well in the Indian car market, giving stiff competition to rivals like Isuzu MU7, Ford Endeavour, Chevrolet Captiva and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. This limited edition version of Fortuner has been designed by Toyota Racing Development (TRD).
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has added a number of features in the Fortuner TRD Sportivo to add to its overall USP. This Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is offered in two colours including Super White and Silver Mica Metallic. Aerodynamically designed dual tone from along with the rear bumper spoiler add to its appealing design. One of the highlights of Fortuner TRD Sportivo is focus paid to distinguish this version from the regular model. To facilitate the same, TRD engraved sporty side body stripe, radiator grille with TRD emblem and rear TRD Sportivo emblem have been included. In terms of specifications, no changes have been made as it is powered by the same D-4D 3.0-litre engine with Intercooler Turbocharger, running on the common rail-type fuel supply system. This powertrain is capable of generating a power output of around 169 bhp along with peak torque of 343 Nm.
Sources suggest that the firm is pretty confident about the performance of Fortuner TRD Sportivo. Present at the launch event was Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, who elaborated on good qualities of this vehicle. “Fortuner has been the leader in its segment since launch and has sold more than 54,000 units. With an aim to provide newness, we have introduced the Fortuner Limited edition for the festive season. Sought after for both off-roading and city driving, the limited edition with its sporty image will provide exclusivity to our customers. We have recently launched the New Innova and the limited editions of Etios and Liva to make this festive season a very special one for all our customers and further reiterate Toyota’s efforts to provide our customers new and advanced vehicles every time we refresh our products,” he was quoted as saying.
